CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez fuels talk of Lionel Messi ending career at Newell's

CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez has publicly discussed the possibility of Lionel Messi returning to his boyhood club, Newell's Old Boys, before retiring. Watching from the stands at the Estadio Monumental as the Argentina captain concluded his 21-year international career, Dominguez described the Rosario-born forward as a true source of pride for South America.

Dominguez made no secret of his desire to see the forward compete in the continent's elite club competition. When asked if an emotional return to Rosario is genuinely possible, he responded: "Why not? His heart is there." The official added that he would personally do everything in his power to facilitate such a move if he were the club's president.

However, the realization of this fairytale return hinges on a significant sporting hurdle. Dominguez emphasized that success depends on the club's performance, noting that Newell's must first prove they can regularly qualify for the Copa Libertadores.

For now, the move remains a distant prospect. Lionel Messi is committed to Inter Miami under a contract that runs until late 2028. Following his international farewell, the forward has returned to the United States to focus on the MLS regular season and the upcoming play-offs, leaving any plans for a return to Argentina firmly on hold.